CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Maestro Grant Cooper says his first concert as the conductor of the West Virginia Symphony came during a time when the country was in shock after the 9/11 attacks.
That concert was scheduled for September 15, 2001.
“We didn’t know for sure we wanted to do the concert, even,” said Cooper. “The first concert I gave with the orchestra was at a terrible time in our nation’s history, but it was also an opportune time to show just how important the orchestra could be in playing a positive and reinforcing role in people’s lives.”
To this day, Cooper said that concert was one of his proudest achievements in the past 15 years.
He announced his retirement this past weekend with plans to stay with the orchestra for a few years until his role is filled.
“It’s essential to me, as a human being and as an artist, that that family remain in tact,” he said. “The smooth transition is an important part of carrying on the great things that we’ve accomplished, so that the orchestra can continue to grow and inspire.”
Cooper said there is a lot of time and thought that goes into the audition process. The orchestra could receive up to hundreds of applications from around the world.
The process of sorting through resumes and making phones calls could take up to a year, he said. It may take another two years to invite applicants to Charleston, evaluate their strengths and weaknesses and make sure their schedule allows for it.
“A new conductor would need to spend enough time in West Virginia to understand the incredible love that West Virginians have for music and to find ways to allow that love to continue to develop between the people and the orchestra,” Cooper said.
As far as his plans for after retirement, Cooper said he hopes his musical life will continue with some performances nationwide that will allow him to write more original pieces. He’s also looking forward to becoming a grandparent.
Cooper began one of his final seasons with the West Virginia Symphony Saturday night. He will conduct the entire 2015-2016 season and will conduct all pops, education and touring programs during the 2016-2017 season.
A search committee will be announcing the position and accepting resumes internationally over the next few months.